JAMB Chemistry 2022 Paper

Concept:Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons used chiefly as fuels because they burn easily in air, releasing a large amount of heat.Explanation:Alkanes such as methane ($\mathrm{CH}_4$), propane ($\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{H}_8$), and butane ($\mathrm{C}_4\mathrm{H}_{10}$) are highly combustible.When they undergo complete combustion in oxygen, they produce carbon dioxide and water, giving off energy:$$\mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n+2} + \left(\frac{3n+1}{2}\right)\mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow n\mathrm{CO}_2 + (n+1)\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \text{heat}$$This makes them ideal for domestic cooking, heating, and as industrial fuels.They are not primarily used in the textile industry, hydrogenation of oils, or as fine chemicals.Therefore, their main application is as domestic and industrial fuels.Answer:C. as domestic and industrial fuels